Page 100 of Shifting Gears

I’d been hiding from people my whole life. From my ma, to guys trying to steal my shit on the streets, to the cops chasing me down for car boosting.

Stowing away on a plane wasn’t that much of a jump from those things.

But how the hell am I going to drive the truck away after I deliver the cars and hide in the plane?

I tapped my thumb on the wheel, the steady drumming sounds the only thing keeping me from losing my shit, sitting here. What if I could ask for help from Ken? He’d been a part of my little side cash business for a while now. What were the chances he’d help smuggle me onto the plane in exchange for my car?

“Couldn’t hurt to ask,” I muttered as traffic crawled along.

It took two hours to get to Sydney’s place. When I pulled into the driveway, I saw the dojo’s lights on and the doors open.

She must be working out right now,I thought as I got out of my car and walked over to the dojo. I kicked my shoes off at the entrance before walking into the main sparring room.

Sydney was throwing kicks and punches in rapid succession at Touma, who had gloves on, blocking each one.

She looked good. Against most guys, Sydney would definitely put them on their ass.

I cleared my throat, and she stopped mid-punch and looked toward me. Her eyes widened with a smile as she saw me.

“I didn’t expect to see you today. Did you want to get your butt kicked again so soon?” Sydney said, a sexy smirk on her face as Touma glanced over at us from behind her.

I chuckled and shook my head. “You know I’d pin your ass under me again if we did.”

She rolled her eyes and folded her arms in front of her chest. “Sure, big guy. So, what do you need then, if you’re not here to work out?”

I jerked my head toward the door. I didn’t need anyone else overhearing what I had to say.

“Can we talk somewhere else?” I said, keeping my voice low.

She nodded and passed by me, walking over to her shoes. She slipped them on, and I did the same with my Air Force 1s. We walked side by side down the path into the gardens behind the dojo.

It was a nice day today, sunny and warm, but inside, it felt like a storm was building.

“You look so serious. Is there something wrong?” she asked as we came to a stop under the shade of some trees.

I did a sweep around the area before my gaze landed on Sydney. She was wearing a dark green outfit today. It really brought out her eyes.

“Nothing’s wrong. But I had to still see you and let you know that?—”

She cut me off. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?” she asked, her eyes meeting mine.

I nodded and tucked my hands into my hoodie pocket.

“I got word about Rosalie. She’s gone through some bad stuff, and I need to get back to LA. To make sure she’s really all right. To tell her I made a mistake leaving her and that I wanna make things right between us,” I said, watching the fish swim slowly around the pond.

Sydney chuckled. “Boy, you sure know how to pick girls who like to get into dangerous situations, don’t you? Guess my sister was right. Hero was a good nickname for you, AJ. Always trying to save people from their mistakes.But”—she gave my arm a soft punch—“never your own.”

“Someone’s gotta do it. I didn’t choose this life. It chose me,” I said as I shrugged and smirked at her.

Silence fell between us, and the lightness of the joke passed, replaced by a solemn understanding. This was goodbye.

“You never belonged here. Not really. We were always on borrowed time,” she whispered.

She stepped in front of me, snaking her arms around my waist, and hugged me as she buried her face into my hoodie.

“Don’t worry about us, okay? We will be fine. Touma is going to help me rebuild the dojo even more. We’re done with the illegal fighting for good. I want a better life for myself and my family. Regan is going to be going to school abroad for her next year, so she’s going to be on her own adventure. I’ll be fine. You’ve done enough,” Sydney said, smiling back at me.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her in. I doubted I’d ever see her again after today.

---